When should I keep my child home?

Your child's health and the health of all children are important to us. The following guidelines have been updated and are recommended when you have questions about sending your child to school. Please keep your child home if he/she has:

A fever of 101 or greater (orally). No exclusion is necessary, unless there are symptoms in addition to the fever, such as a rash, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, behavior changes, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, etc. Your child MUST stay home until the fever subsides without fever reducing medications (Ibuprofen, Tylenol) for at least 6 hours. During Flu season, children just stay home from school for 24 hours after fever subsides without fever reducing medications.

A new rash on face, arms, legs or trunk of body. It is important for this rash to be assessed by a physician for contagiousness prior to coming to school.

An earache or sore throat

A draining sore

Diarrhea or vomiting 12 hours prior to school start time

Head lice until treatment has been done

Strep throat. Your child MUST stay home for 24 hours after antibiotics have been started.

Children do NOT need to be excluded for pink eye unless the child meets other exclusion criteria, such as fever or behavioral change. Consult a health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment. Individuals can remain in school once any indicated therapy is implemented unless their behavior is such that close contact with others cannot be avoided. Students with pink eye due to allergies or chemical irritation do not need to be excluded.

Thank you for your cooperation. Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy. Feel free to contact Joni Heiden, RN, or Lisa Penate, RN if you have any questions about your child's readiness for school.

Joni (686-8075), Lisa (686-8076).

These guidelines were reviewed, updated, and approved by our Medical Advisor, Dr. Jeanette Mercer 12/05/13. They are based on recommendations in the Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings manual, revised October 2013, from the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and recommendations from The School Health Program of Children’s Hospital Colorado.

What is Fifths Disease?

Fifth's Disease is one of the more common childhood
illnesses. It is caused by a virus and is spread by respiratory
secretions form coughing and sneezing. The incubation period is usually
4-14 days after exposure. Some children may have symptoms of sore
throat, muscle aches, loss of appetite and/or "runny nose" two days
before the rash appears. Other children have no symptoms at all. The
rash begins on the face with a very red, raised rash that is warm to
the touch ("slapped cheek" appearance). After 1-3 days a pink
lace-like rash appears on the thighs and upper arms, it can also
involve the abdomen and back. It may or may not itch. The rash may
last 1-3 weeks and will come and go. It will be more visible with
heat, exercise and exposure to the sun. Fever is not usually present;
is so it is less than 102 degrees.

Once the rash has occurred the illness is no longer
contagious, therefore children do not have to be excluded from school.
No treatment is necessary. The best prevention for Fifth's Disease is
good hygiene; wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes/nose and
cover nose/mouth when coughing and sneezing. Also avoid sharing
dishes, eating utensils, towels, washcloths or tissues.

If you are pregnant and exposed to Fifth's Disease
please inform your health care provider. If you have any other
questions please call Joni Heiden, RN (686-8075) or Lisa Penate, RN
(686-8076).

Can my child have medication at school?

If your child must have medication of any
type, including over-the-counter medicine (e.g., Tylenol, Advil, cough
medicine), you have three choices:

You may come to school and give it to your child at the appropriate time.

You may get a medication card from the school and have your
doctor complete and sign it. There is also a space for parent
signature. The medication must be in a pharmacy-labeled bottle with
instructions. Many pharmacists are willing to "double bottle" (one for
home and one for school) your prescriptions.

You may discuss with your doctor an alternative schedule so the medication can be given outside of school hours.

This is a school district policy (JLCD) and will be
strictly enforced to insure the health and well being of all students.
Remember, the only way we can give medication at school is with a
completed school medication card, signed by parent and physician, and a
pharmacy labeled container. The medication, by School Board Policy,
will be kept in a locked container in each health room. Asthma inhalers and EpiPens may be carried by students. Students may carry and self-administer their own medication as long as there is written parent and physician permission and a contract to carry is signed by the student, parent, and school nurse. Thank you for
your cooperation.

As of September 2004, preventive measures such as
sunscreen, insect repellent, diaper ointment, and cough drops may be
used with written parental permission only.

Are vision and hearing screenings conducted at school?

Vision and hearing screenings are conducted annually by
the Health Services staff, including the District Audiologist. The
vision screening tests distance acuity (testing clearness of vision at a
distance, i.e., from desk to chalkboard) for all grades. Primary
children are screened for depth perception, tracking, eye alignment,
eye aiming skills, and color vision. If your child had difficulty with
any of the skills he/she will be re-screened within 30 days.
Re-screening is a requirement as initial screening results may have
been inaccurate due to distractibility at the mass screening, fatigue,
illnesses, difficulty understanding directions, etc. If your child
has difficulty with the second screening a written referral will be
mailed to you recommending a professional eye examination.

The hearing screening is conducted by the District
Audiologist. If a problem was detected you will receive a written
notice with recommendations for follow-up.

Please note that these tests are simply screenings
and are not as in-depth as a doctor or specialist can perform. If you
have more detailed questions about your child's hearing or vision, be
sure to contact the appropriate specialist. Thank you.